Advanced Character Method: Oathbound Paladin Tank and Spank Build

This Oathbound Paladin Tank and Spank build is focused on soloing with the ability to tank bosses for groups. The DPS for this build is good. This helps with getting through solo content quickly. With a slight tweak in tactics it can also be a decent tank. I wanted a character that could jump into content as soon as it was released. This build accomplishes that.

If you are not familiar with the Oathbound Paladin, check out this introduction to the character character class.

Design Philosophy for Oathbound Paladin Tank and Spank Build

When designing and building characters it is important to have a design goal in mind. This way, when the choices come up you have direction. With this build I kept these things in mind when making choices for all the character options.

Stand up to anything, solo. This means good Defenses along with forms of auto or self-healing.

Decent DPS to get through content. This meant that if my defenses were holding up, I would get DPS minded things. (Boons are a good example of non-tank choices).

Tank Neverwinter bosses. Boss tanking had to be at least acceptable. This is not a total tank build!

I know it might sound a bit vague. But that is the basic method I used for this.

As far as a general philosophy for creating this build I need to be reliable. This means having abilities, powers, etc that work consistently. Some builds are build off chance. This one isn’t. Defense over Deflections. Power over Critical. Hit Points over Life Steal.

Oathbound Paladin Tank and Spank Race

I went with Dragonborn. Why? Because it’s cool. And I could pick the stats I wanted. Free to play choice. Human, Dwarf, Half-Orc. All would do quite well. But as I have mentioned before race plays very little role in who your character will be at 70, geared, and booned. Choose the race that will make you happy.

Oathbound Paladin Tank and Spank Stats

Constitution for primary stat and Charisma for secondary stat.

CON if most important for good Hit Points and Defense base bonuses.

CHA for Stamina Regen and Action Point Gain. As a Tank will use LOTS of Stamina. Especially in groups. (Well at least you should to help take some of the healing burden off your Devoted Cleric!)

Oathbound Paladin Path

At level 30 you will need to pick a path for your character. The best path for this is Oath of Protection.

What is in the Patron Only content? Learn what items and gear work best!

Exact gear piece for each slot.

Which enchantments to use.

What augments to use.

Which artifacts work well.

Companions that enhance this build.

Complimentary mounts and their insignia bonuses.

Plus miscellaneous items such as what to load onto the hotbar.

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Oathbound Paladin Tank and Spank Standard Tactics

The tactics for this build are simple. Jump into the middle of the mix and fight. Keep all mobs close and focused on you.

Radiant Strike into a fight. This jumps you into the fight and AE damages all around. This way they focus on you immediately.

Use Templar’s Wrath to stun/AE Damage the enemy. This will also give you a nice lump of temporary hit points.

Throw out Circle of Power.

Divine Call if needed.

Then mosh things down.

If there are 1 or 2 enemies, or a boss, use Sacred Weapon than Shielding Strike.

If there are 3 or more enemies. Use Radiant Strikeand Templar’s Wrath.

Oathbound Paladin Tank and Spank Boss Tanking Tactics

When you tank bosses, you want to be the first one in to get agro (The enemies attention). Then make sure to “set up” quickly before your group unloads.

Start putting Absolution on you and everyone else ASAP. Even if this is well before the fight. It lasts a long time. I’ve buffed an entire SVA raid with it.

Throw out Circle of Power to set the stage.

Then use Divine Call to get its attention.

Next is Templar’s Wrath to for the temporary hit points.

Mosh on the boss with Sacred Weapon empowered Shielding Strike.

Refresh Absolution and Templar’s Wrath as needed.

Oathbound Paladin Tank and Spank Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to use when playing this character. These will help you rock whatever you encounter.

Your weapon will glow when empowered with Sacred Weapon. Refresh it when it goes out.

AE damage is almost always better with 4 or more targets. In big groups, spam AE power.

Sanctuary can be effective healing. Help the healers when it is needed!

Don’t fight another tank for ago. Just sidle up next to them.

You are the initiator. Start HE’s, encounters, and boss fights. Others will follow!

It’s OK to be hit. In fact, this build counts on it! Let them smack you and watch them die.

Use Radiant Strike to quickly hop around battles smacking enemies that are not on you.

Well there you have it. This is my main character build. He is a mean Oathbound Paladin Tank and Spank build. I use this build to jump right into new content when it comes out. I can tank anything. This character solo’s well, and has enough DPS to be worthwhile in a group that doesn’t need a tank.

I hope this helps you out. Please comment below with your questions or your thoughts on how you would tweak this build.

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